How Do You Modernise a Small Bathroom?

Matt Keane
June 29, 2023

Have you ever gazed at your small bathroom and wished for a magical transformation into a modern oasis? We've been there too, which is why we spent considerable time researching ways to address this common issue many Irish homeowners face.

Factually speaking, despite the potentially higher cost of renovating smaller bathrooms, our comprehensive guide offers affordable yet stylish solutions to maximise space and style in bijou bathrooms.

Intrigued? Let's dive right into how you can breathe new life into your compact bathroom!

Key Takeaways

  • Utilise wall space with shelves and cabinets to maximise storage in a small bathroom.
  • Install a vanity with storage drawers for organization and a modern touch.
  • Incorporate light, bright colors on the walls to create a sense of openness.
  • Consider using sleek and minimalist fixtures for a contemporary look.
  • Install a frameless glass shower enclosure to create an open and spacious feel.
  • Opt for modern and stylish tiles that add visual interest to the bathroom design.
  • Use mirrors strategically to create the illusion of space in a small bathroom.
  • Enhance lighting with LED lights for bright illumination and energy efficiency.

Stylish Storage Solutions for a Small Bathroom

Utilise wall space with shelves and cabinets, install a vanity with storage drawers, use baskets or bins for organising, and add a towel rack with hooks for efficient storage in a small bathroom.

Utilising wall space with shelves and cabinets

Let's explore using wall space with shelves and cabinets to make the most of your small bathroom.

  • Fix up wall-mounted cabinets: These not only save floor space but also provide extra storage for bathroom essentials.
  • Experiment with floating shelves: Positioned above the toilet or sink, these can hold everything from soap to towels.
  • Opt for a mirrored cabinet: It triples up as a mirror, storage unit and light reflector.
  • Try recessed shelving: Built directly into the wall, they are perfect for saving valuable square footage in compact bathrooms.

Installing a vanity with storage drawers

We recommend installing a vanity with storage drawers in your small bathroom. This will help you maximise the available space and keep your bathroom organised. You can store toiletries, towels, and other essentials in these drawers, keeping them within easy reach. A vanity with storage drawers is not only functional but also adds a modern and stylish touch to your bathroom design. It's a great way to create a clutter-free environment while adding an elegant and practical feature to your small bathroom.

Using baskets or bins for organising

We can maximise storage in a small bathroom by utilising baskets or bins for organising. These versatile storage solutions come in various sizes and styles, making it easy to find options that fit your bathroom decor. Here are some ways to use baskets or bins effectively:

  • Place them on open shelves or inside cabinets to group similar items together and keep them organised.
  • Use them under the sink to store cleaning supplies, extra toiletries, or towels.
  • Hang them on hooks or racks mounted on the wall for additional storage that doesn't take up floor space.
  • Choose baskets with lids to hide clutter and create a tidy appearance.

Adding a towel rack with hooks

To maximise storage in a small bathroom, we can add a towel rack with hooks. This clever addition serves multiple purposes, allowing you to hang towels neatly while also providing a spot to hang other bathroom essentials like robes or loofahs. The hooks provide easy and convenient access to these items, keeping them off the limited counter space and maintaining a tidy and modern look. By utilising a towel rack with hooks, you can optimise organisation in your small bathroom without sacrificing style or functionality.

Design Tips for Modernising a Small Bathroom

Paint your walls in light, bright colours to create a sense of openness and freshness. Incorporate sleek and minimalist fixtures for a modern look, and consider installing a frameless glass shower enclosure to maximise space.

Opt for modern and stylish tiles that add visual interest. Use mirrors strategically to create the illusion of space. Read on for more design tips to transform your small bathroom into a modern oasis.

Paint walls in light, bright colors

To modernise a small bathroom, one effective design tip is to paint the walls in light, bright colors. By choosing shades like soft whites or pale pastels, you can instantly create a fresh and airy atmosphere.

Light colors not only give the illusion of more space but also reflect natural and artificial light, making the room feel brighter and more open. This simple yet impactful change can transform your small bathroom into a welcoming and stylish oasis.

So why not add a coat of paint to update your bathroom's look?.

By using light, bright colors on your bathroom walls, you can instantly modernise the space. These colors help create an open and inviting atmosphere while reflecting light to make the room appear larger than it actually is.

With smart color choices like soft whites or refreshing pastels, you'll be well on your way to achieving a modern aesthetic in your small bathroom renovation project.

Incorporate sleek and minimalist fixtures

To achieve a modern look in your small bathroom, incorporating sleek and minimalist fixtures is essential. Opt for clean lines and simple designs when choosing faucets, showerheads, towel bars, and other bathroom accessories.

By selecting fixtures in a contemporary style with metallic finishes such as chrome or brushed nickel, you can instantly upgrade the overall aesthetic of the space. Sleek and minimalist fixtures not only add a touch of sophistication to your small bathroom but also help create an open and uncluttered atmosphere.

With their streamlined appearance, these fixtures effortlessly blend into the overall design while adding a sleek and polished finish to your modernised bathroom.

Install a frameless glass shower enclosure

Installing a frameless glass shower enclosure is a great way to modernise a small bathroom. Not only does it add a sleek and contemporary look, but it also creates an open and spacious feel in the room.

The frameless design eliminates any visual barriers, making the bathroom appear larger than it actually is. With the reeded glass shower screen mentioned earlier, privacy is not compromised while still allowing natural light to flow through.

This simple addition can instantly transform your small bathroom into a stylish and sophisticated space.

Opt for modern and stylish tiles

One way to modernise your small bathroom is by opting for modern and stylish tiles. Choosing the right tiles can instantly transform the look of your bathroom and give it a contemporary feel.

Consider using sleek porcelain or ceramic tiles in light, bright colors to create a clean and modern aesthetic. You can also experiment with different tile patterns or textures to add visual interest to the space.

Whether you go for subway tiles, mosaic designs, or geometric patterns, selecting modern and stylish tiles will elevate the overall design of your small bathroom.

Use mirrors to create the illusion of space

Mirrors are a fantastic tool for maximising the space in a small bathroom. By strategically placing mirrors on walls or even installing mirrored cabinets, you can create the illusion of a larger and more open area.

Mirrors reflect light, making the room feel brighter and airier. This not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also contributes to a sense of spaciousness. So, don't hesitate to incorporate mirrors into your bathroom design to create an optical illusion that opens up your small space.

Enhancing Lighting in a Small Bathroom

To enhance the lighting in a small bathroom, consider installing LED lights for bright and energy-efficient illumination. Add a skylight or window to bring in natural light, and use task lighting around the vanity area for optimal visibility.

Install LED lights for bright and energy-efficient lighting

To modernise your small bathroom, consider installing LED lights. LED lights provide bright and energy-efficient lighting, illuminating the space effectively while saving on electricity costs. LED lights are a popular choice for modern bathrooms due to their sleek design and long-lasting performance. They can be installed as overhead lighting or as task lighting around the vanity area to ensure proper illumination for daily grooming tasks. By incorporating LED lights into your small bathroom, you can create a bright and well-lit space that feels modern and inviting.

Add a skylight or window to bring in natural light

To bring in more natural light and create a bright and airy atmosphere, consider adding a skylight or window to your small bathroom. This will not only make the space feel larger but also provide a sense of wellness. Natural light has been shown to improve mood and productivity while reducing the risk of mold and mildew. So, let the sunshine in and enjoy the benefits of a well-lit and modern bathroom design.

  • A skylight or window in a small bathroom brings in natural light, making it feel larger and brighter.
  • Natural light improves mood, productivity, and overall well - being.
  • Adding a skylight or window reduces the risk of mold and mildew by increasing ventilation.
  • Enjoy the beauty of sunlight streaming into your bathroom throughout the day.
  • Embrace the benefits of a well-lit space for your daily self-care routine.

Use task lighting around the vanity area

In a small bathroom, it's important to have proper lighting around the vanity area. This will help you see clearly when getting ready in the morning or applying makeup. Here are some options for task lighting:

  • Install wall sconces on either side of the mirror to provide direct light onto your face.
  • Use adjustable track lighting above the vanity to focus light where you need it most.
  • Consider installing a pendant light with a downward - facing shade for targeted illumination.
  • Opt for LED lights, as they are energy-efficient and provide bright, long-lasting light.

Adding Stylish Touches to a Small Bathroom

Choose contemporary accessories and hardware such as sleek faucets and towel bars to give your bathroom a modern and stylish look.

Choose contemporary accessories and hardware

We can give our small bathroom a modern update by choosing contemporary accessories and hardware. Opting for sleek, minimalist designs will instantly elevate the overall look of the space.

Consider installing a stylish faucet, towel rack, and toilet paper holder in a modern finish like brushed nickel or matte black. For added functionality and style, choose floating shelves with clean lines to display your toiletries and decorative items.

Don't forget to replace outdated light fixtures with modern wall sconces or pendant lights that will provide both task lighting and an elegant touch. By selecting contemporary accessories and hardware, we can transform our small bathroom into a chic oasis that reflects our personal style.

Incorporate plants or greenery for a fresh and modern look

Adding plants or greenery to your small bathroom is a simple yet effective way to bring in a fresh and modern look. Not only do plants add a touch of nature, but they also improve air quality by filtering out toxins.

Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or ferns that thrive in humid environments. Place them on shelves, countertops, or hang them from the ceiling to maximise space. The greenery will create a calming and inviting atmosphere, making your small bathroom feel like a tranquil oasis.

Hang artwork or a statement mirror

We can instantly elevate the style of a small bathroom by hanging artwork or a statement mirror on the walls. This simple addition serves as a focal point and adds visual interest to the space.

Consider choosing pieces that match your personal taste and the overall design theme of your bathroom. Artwork featuring vibrant colors or abstract designs can inject energy into the room, while a large statement mirror helps create the illusion of more space and reflects light for a brighter atmosphere.

With this stylish touch, you can transform your small bathroom into a modern haven that reflects your unique personality.

By hanging artwork or a statement mirror in our small bathrooms, we can make them feel more personalised and visually appealing. These decorative elements serve as eye-catching focal points that draw attention away from limited floor space and give an impression of spaciousness.

Opt for artwork with bold colors or interesting patterns to add vibrancy and personality to the room. On the other hand, installing a large, statement mirror creates depth and reflects natural light, making even the smallest bathroom appear brighter and airier.

Use patterned or textured wallpapers for an eye-catching feature wall

For a small bathroom that needs a stylish upgrade, consider using patterned or textured wallpapers to create an eye-catching feature wall. This is a great way to add visual interest and personality to the space without taking up valuable floor area.

Opt for bold patterns or textures that complement the overall design of your bathroom. The wallpaper will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also provide a focal point that draws attention and makes your bathroom feel more modern and unique.

So go ahead and explore different wallpaper options to transform your small bathroom into a stunning oasis.

Consider adding a statement bathtub or unique sink design

To make your small bathroom more modern and stylish, think about adding a statement bathtub or unique sink design. These eye-catching elements can instantly elevate the overall look of your bathroom and create a focal point.

A statement bathtub, such as a freestanding tub with an elegant design, can add elegance and luxury to even the smallest of spaces. Likewise, opting for a unique sink design, like a vessel sink or wall-mounted basin, can add personality and charm to your bathroom while maximising counter space.

By incorporating these standout features into your small bathroom, you can achieve a modern and sophisticated look that is sure to impress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, modernising a small bathroom can be achieved through clever storage solutions, design choices, lighting enhancements, and stylish touches. By utilising wall space with shelves and cabinets, incorporating sleek fixtures and tiles, adding bright lighting options, and including contemporary accessories, homeowners can transform their small bathrooms into modern and functional spaces.

With the right techniques and creativity, even the smallest of bathrooms can become a stylish oasis.

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